There were billions of scenarios that could have panned out in the NFC last week, but when the games ended Sunday, we got a clear view of who was playing in the NFC Wild Card round, and it should be a doozy. The Seattle Seahawks got the 1-seed and a bye after a defensive masterclass against the 49ers in an absolute slugfest. It’s an NFC picture with some teams that haven’t played on this stage in a while, mixed with some of the teams we are accustomed to seeing. Here’s our preview of the 2025 season NFC Wild Card games.
Los Angeles Rams vs Carolina Panthers
One of the more stunning regular season upsets came between these two teams. The Los Angeles Rams were rolling and fighting for the top seed in the NFC. It looked like the Rams might cruise all the way to the end without another loss. But then the Panthers welcomed Matt Stafford by picking him off twice and forced another fumble. The Panthers are a feel-good team and they’ve had their moments. But this is the postseason. This is where it counts, and I’m not betting on them to get the job done. They didn’t even win what could’ve been a win-or-go-home game against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers which would’ve let them control their own destiny. The Rams will overpower them offensively and send the house to disrupt Bryce Young for an easy, first-round win. Prediction: Rams 35 Panthers 23
Green Bay Packers vs Chicago Bears
The Packers, locked into the 7-seed, had the fortune of resting their starters in Week 18. Clayton Tune started at QB for Green Bay. On the other hand, Ben Johnson made it clear that the Bears don’t rest guys, and he sent his team out there to face a Lions team hungry for a win and they didn’t get the job done. The Bears lost games in Week 17 and 18 that could’ve gifted them the 1-seed. Now we are watching them and the Packers duel again after an exciting finish in Week 16. Green Bay is injured badly. Their defense is falling apart. Jordan Love has been sidelined since that game Week 16 game. The Bears have felt special, especially on offense which bails them out in this game. Prediction: Packers 20 Bears 22
San Francisco 49ers vs Philadelphia Eagles
This is the NFC game that fans have circled. The Eagles and 49ers have become one of the best modern rivalries in recent years. The Niners lost to Philly in that wonky NFC Championship Game a few years back where Christian McCaffrey had to play QB, and it has set off a beautiful hatred between the two teams. Oddly enough, the Niners are still so injured entering this game that CMC might want to see if he can play linebacker for them. Despite all their injuries, if Trent Williams and Ricky Pearsall play, I like the 49ers chances. Their offense spreads the field and attacks with those guys out there and averages over 30 points a game when Pearsall suits up. The Eagles have gone through spurts of offensive incompetence and Robert Saleh is going to prove why he is one of the best defensive coordinators in the game. Prediction: 49ers 28 Eagles 27